This month we’re highlighting Beth, a member of the Lady Sentinel leadership team whose story reflects what this community is all about—growth, confidence, and showing up for one another.

Below are Beth’s answers, in her own words.

What originally drew you to Lady Sentinel, and what made you decide to take on a leadership role within the organization?

“Honestly, my husband signed me up after we got involved in shooting as a hobby late last year. I didn’t attend my first Lady Sentinel event until April of this year, and that was the first time I had been to a range without my husband. I left that class and range time realizing that this group was exactly what I needed.

When Liz reached out later in the summer asking about finding some ladies to help in the group and that her dream was to turn it into a nonprofit, I didn’t hesitate. My background in accounting and nonprofits made it a logical place to lend my expertise to a group that had become important to me.”

As a leader, you see women at all different stages of their training journey. What moments have been most meaningful for you to witness?

“My most meaningful moments occur with the newest members who come to a class for the first time and stay for range time. To encourage them and see their confidence build as they learn the basics and hit the target is extremely rewarding.

We were all new at some point and having the courage to step onto the range with strangers is a huge accomplishment!

I also love shooting matches with other women who are always encouraging and supporting each other. In a male dominated sport, it’s sometimes difficult to see yourself succeeding, so when other ladies are competing, I realize that I’m not alone in my desire to compete.”

What’s something you’ve learned or discovered about yourself through training with Lady Sentinel?

“There are so many, but if I had to choose one, it’s the increased self-confidence in all areas of my life. There’s something about learning new things, especially around something that is considered scary, like how to shoot, that has made me feel stronger.

And the friends! I didn’t know at my age that I could still make new friends, and these ladies have proven that I can!”

Outside the range, what activities or passions bring you joy and help shape who you are?

“When I’m not at the range, I’m leading my accounting firm, recording my podcast and racing! I autocross from March until October all over the country with the Sports Car Club of America in my 2012 Mustang with my husband, Dave, and our daughter, Sam, when she’s available.

This fills a lot of my time, but I also find time to make quilts and I read every single day!”

If a woman is on the fence about joining LS, what would you tell her?

“Lady Sentinel is the safest, most welcoming and encouraging group that you could find to be on this journey with you. The education provided is practical and repeatable and is worth far more than $50 a year.

The bonus of making friends, finding training partners, and having fun is free!”

Whether you’ve been with Lady Sentinel for a while or have been thinking about reconnecting, stories like Beth’s are a reminder of why this community matters.